Method and System for Presenting Lists of Wireless Local Area Network Profile Information

ABSTRACT

A method for selecting a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) for a wireless device, comprising: generating a first list of WLAN identifiers for a first group of one or more wireless local area networks (“WLANs”) accessible at a first geographic location and storing the first list in the wireless device; generating a second list of WLAN identifiers for a second group of one or more WLANs accessible at a second geographic location and storing the second list in the wireless device; selecting one of the first and second lists as an active list; and, scanning for WLANs identified by the active list to identify an available WLAN for the wireless device.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

This application relates to the field of wireless communications betweenwireless and other devices, and more specifically, to a method andsystem for presenting lists of wireless local area network profileinformation to users of wireless and other devices.

BACKGROUND

Current wireless mobile communication devices include microprocessors,memory, soundcards, and run one or more software applications inaddition to providing for voice communications. Examples of softwareapplications used in these wireless devices include micro-browsers,address books, email clients, instant messaging (“IM”) clients, andwavetable instruments. Additionally, wireless devices have access to aplurality of services via the Internet. A wireless device may, forexample, be used to browse web sites on the Internet, to transmit andreceive graphics, and to execute streaming audio and/or videoapplications. The transfer of Internet content to and from wirelessdevice is typically facilitated by the Wireless Application Protocol(“WAP”), which integrates the Internet and other networks with wirelessnetwork platforms. Such wireless devices may operate on a cellularnetwork, on a wireless local area network (“WLAN”), or on both of thesetypes of networks.

With respect to WLANs, the term “Wi-Fi” (“Wireless Fidelity”) pertainsto certain types of WLANs that use specifications in the Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) 802.11 family. The termWi-Fi was created by an organization called the Wi-Fi Alliance, whichoversees tests that certify product interoperability. The particular 5specification under which a Wi-Fi network operates is called the“flavour” of the network. Wi-Fi has gained acceptance in manybusinesses, office buildings, agencies, schools, and homes as analternative to a wired local area network (“LAN”). All the 802.11specifications use the Ethernet protocol and Carrier Sense MultipleAccess with Collision Avoidance (“CSMA/CA”) for path sharing. Theoriginal modulation used in 802.11 was phase-shift keying (“PSK”).However, other schemes, such as complementary code keying (“CCK”), areused in some of the newer specifications. The newer modulation methodsprovide higher data speed and reduced vulnerability to interference. Inaddition, to improve security, entities running a WLAN often usesecurity safeguards such as encryption or a virtual private network(“VPN”).

In a WLAN, an access point (“AP”) is a station that transmits andreceives data (sometimes referred to as a transceiver). An access pointconnects users to other users within the network and also can serve asthe point of interconnection between the WLAN and a wired LAN. Eachaccess point can serve multiple users within a defined network area. Asusers move beyond the range of one access point (i.e., when they roam),they are automatically handed over to the next one. A small WLAN mayonly require a single access point. The number of access points requiredincreases as a function of the number of network users and the physicalsize of the network.

An 802.11 WLAN may operate in “infrastructure mode” or in “ad-hoc mode”.In infrastructure mode, wireless devices communicate with each other byfirst going through an AP. In this mode, wireless devices cancommunicate with each other or can communicate with a wired network. Theterm basic service set (“BSS”) is used to refer to a configuration whereone AP is connected to a wired LAN and a set of wireless devices. Anextended service set (“ESS”) an configuration comprising two or moreBSSs that form a single sub-network or WLAN. Most corporate WLANsoperate in infrastructure mode because they require access to the wiredLAN in order to use services such as file servers or printers. In ad-hocmode, wireless device communicate directly with each other, without theuse of an AP. Ad-hoc mode is also referred to as peer-to-peer mode or anindependent basic service set (“IBSS”) configuration. Ad-hoc mode isuseful for establishing a network where wireless infrastructure does notexist or where corporate network services are not required.

A service set identifier (“SSID”) is a unique 32-character network name,or identifier, that differentiates one WLAN from another. All APs andwireless devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN must use thesame SSID. The SSID can be any alphanumeric entry up to a maximum of 32characters and is typically case sensitive. The SSID is attached to theheader of packets sent over a WLAN and acts as a password when awireless device tries to connect to a WLAN (or ESS). As mentioned, theSSID differentiates one WLAN from another, so all APs and all wirelessand other devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN must use thesame SSID. A device will not be permitted to join a WLAN (or ESS) unlessit can provide the WLAN's unique SSID. A SSID is also referred to as anetwork name because essentially it is a name that identifies a WLAN.Typically, the APs of a WLAN broadcast their SSIDs to wireless deviceswithin their coverage area.

On a wireless device, each SSID has an associated profile which is asaved group of network settings relating to the WLAN that the SSIDidentifies. A SSID profile typically includes information such as thefollowing: the SSID or WLAN name; a profile name (i.e., an optionalalternate name for the WLAN other than the SSID); the operating mode(e.g., infrastructure, ad hoc, etc.); the standard type (e.g., 802.11a,802.11b, 802.11g, etc.); and, security, encryption, and passwordsettings (e.g., none, personal, enterprise, wired equivalency privacy(“WEP”), Wi-Fi protected access (“WPA”), etc.). Profiles are typicallydisplayed to a user in a profiles list on the wireless device's displayscreen and are typically arranged in order of network connectionpriority. A user may switch between WLANs by choosing a WLAN from theprofiles list.

The profiles list may be populated by the wireless device uponperforming a search or “scan” for available WLANs in the vicinity of thedevice. In this case, the profiles list will typically display availablenetworks that broadcast their SSIDs and that are in range of thewireless device. The profiles list may also include networks for which auser has previously entered a SSID and any required profile settings. Inaddition, the user may create new profiles for listing in the profileslist through appropriate configuration input screens.

Thus, on a typical Wi-Fi enabled wireless device a single list of Wi-Fiprofiles (i.e., for AP and security information, etc.) is maintained. Aconnection corresponding to the WLAN corresponding to the topmostprofile in the list is typically made first, if possible. The followingWLANs in the profiles list are successively attempted until a connectioncan be established.

One problem with maintaining a single profiles list is inflexibility.This is especially so as these single lists may grow very large. Forexample, as a user travels between different geographic areas, only asubset of the profiles list will pertain to access points or WLANslocated in the user's current area. Having one large profiles list isdifficult to manage, in terms of changing relative priorities, and canoverload the user with unneeded information. In addition, a singleprofiles list can also delay the connection process as the entire listneeds to be compared against AP scan results.

A need therefore exists for an improved method and system presentinglists of wireless local area network profile information to users ofwireless and other devices. Accordingly, a solution that addresses, atleast in part, the above and other shortcomings is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the embodiments of the present applicationwill become apparent from the following detailed description, taken incombination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing system adaptedfor implementing an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device and a wirelesscommunications system adapted for implementing an embodiment of theapplication;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a memory of the wireless deviceof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a communications network havingwireless local area networks (“WLANs”) coupled to a wired local areanetwork (“LAN”) in accordance with an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 5 is a screen capture illustrating first and second profiles listsfor a wireless or other device in accordance with an embodiment of theapplication; and,

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations of modules within thememory of a wireless device for selecting a wireless local area network(“WLAN”) for the wireless device, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe application.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like featuresare identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, details are set forth to provide anunderstanding of the application. In some instances, certain software,circuits, structures and techniques have not been described or shown indetail in order not to obscure the application. Embodiments of thepresent application may be implemented in any computer programminglanguage provided that the operating system of the data processingsystem provides the facilities that may support the requirements of theapplication. Any limitations presented would be a result of a particulartype of operating system or computer programming language and would notbe a limitation of the present application.

According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for selecting awireless local area network (“WLAN”) for a wireless device, comprising:generating a first list of WLAN identifiers for a first group of one ormore wireless local area networks (“WLANs”) accessible at a firstgeographic location and storing the first list in the wireless device;generating a second list of WLAN identifiers for a second group of oneor more WLANs accessible at a second geographic location and storing thesecond list in the wireless device; selecting one of the first andsecond lists as an active list; and, scanning for WLANs identified bythe active list to identify an available WLAN for the wireless device.

In accordance with further aspects of the present application there areprovided apparatus such as a data processing system, wireless device,handheld computer, smart phone, mobile device, etc., methods foradapting these, as well as articles of manufacture such as a computerreadable medium having program instructions recorded therein forpractising the method of the application.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a data processing system 100adapted for implementing an embodiment of the application. The dataprocessing system 100 may be a server system, a personal computer (“PC”)system, or a laptop computer system, for example. The data processingsystem 100 includes an input device 110, a central processing unit orCPU 120, memory 130, a display 140, and an interface 150. The CPU 120may include dedicated coprocessors and memory devices. The memory 130may include RAM, ROM, or disk devices. The memory 130 may include avariety of storage devices including internal memory and external massstorage typically arranged in a hierarchy of storage as understood tothose skilled in the art. The CPU 120 of the system 100 is operativelycoupled to the memory 130 which stores an operating system (not shown)for general management of the system 100. In addition, the dataprocessing system 100 may include a database system 160 for storing andaccessing programming information. The database system 160 may include adatabase management system (“DBMS”) and a database and is stored in thememory 130 of the data processing system 100. The input device 110 mayinclude a keyboard, mouse, trackball, remote control, or similar device.The display 140 may include a computer screen, terminal device, or ahardcopy producing output device such as a printer or plotter. The CPU120 of the system 100 is coupled to the input device 110 for receivinguser commands or queries and for displaying the results of thesecommands or queries to the user on a display 140. And, the interface 150may include a network connection including an Internet connection and awireless network 220 connection (see FIG. 2). Thus, the data processingsystem 100 is adapted for communicating with wired devices over a wirednetwork and/or with wireless devices 210 over a wireless network 220.For example, the data processing system 100 may be a laptop computerequipped for both wired and wireless communications.

A user may interact with the data processing system 100 and its softwaremodules 170 using a graphical user interface (“GUI”) 180. The GUI 180may be web-based and may be used for monitoring, managing, and accessingthe data processing system 100. GUIs are supported by common operatingsystems and provide a display format which enables a user to choosecommands, execute application programs, manage computer files, andperform other functions by selecting pictorial representations known asicons, or items from a menu through use of an input or pointing devicesuch as a mouse 110. In general, a GUI is used to convey information toand receive commands from users and generally includes a variety of GUIobjects or controls, including icons, toolbars, drop-down menus, text,dialog boxes, buttons, and the like. A user typically interacts with aGUI 180 presented on a display 140 by using an input or pointing device(e.g., a mouse) 110 to position a pointer or cursor 190 over an object191 and by “clicking” on the object 191.

Typically, a GUI based system presents application, system status, andother information to the user in “windows” appearing on the display 140.A window 192 is a more or less rectangular area within the display 140in which a user may view an application or a document. Such a window 192may be open, closed, displayed full screen, reduced to an icon,increased or reduced in size, or moved to different areas of the display140. Multiple windows may be displayed simultaneously, such as: windowsincluded within other windows, windows overlapping other windows, orwindows tiled within the display area.

The data processing system 100 includes computer executable programmedinstructions for directing the system 100 to implement the embodimentsof the present application. The programmed instructions may be embodiedin one or more hardware or software modules 170 resident in the memory130 of the data processing system 100. Alternatively, the programmedinstructions may be embodied on a computer readable medium (such as a CDdisk or floppy disk) which may be used for transporting the programmedinstructions to the memory 130 of the data processing system 100.Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be embedded in acomputer-readable signal or signal-bearing medium that is uploaded to anetwork by a vendor or supplier of the programmed instructions, and thissignal or signal-bearing medium may be downloaded through the interface150 to the data processing system 100 from the network by end users orpotential buyers.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device 210 and awireless network 220 adapted for implementing an embodiment of theapplication. The wireless network 220 includes antennae, base stations,and supporting radio equipment, known to those of ordinary skill in theart, for supporting wireless communications between the wireless device210 and other devices (e.g., the data processing system 100). Thewireless network 220 may be coupled through an access point (e.g., 410in FIG. 4) to a local area network (e.g., wired LAN 430 in FIG. 4) towhich the data processing system 100 may be coupled through itsinterface 150.

The wireless device 210 is a two-way communication device having atleast voice and advanced data communication capabilities, including thecapability to communicate with other computer systems 100. Depending onthe functionality provided by the device 210, it may be referred to as adata messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with datamessaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, a datacommunication device (with or without telephony capabilities), a Wi-Fidevice, a WLAN device, or a dual-mode (i.e., Wi-Fi and cellular) device.The device 210 may communicate with any one of a plurality of fixedtransceiver stations (e.g., 410 in FIG. 4) within its geographiccoverage area (e.g., 401, 402 in FIG. 4).

The wireless device 210 will normally incorporate a communicationsubsystem 111, which includes a radio frequency (“RF”) receiver, a RFtransmitter, and associated components, such as one or more (preferablyembedded or internal) antenna elements, local oscillators (“LOs”), and aprocessing module such as a digital signal processor (“DSP”) (all notshown). As will be apparent to those skilled in the field ofcommunications, the particular design of the communication subsystem 111depends on the communication network 220 in which the device 210 isintended to operate.

Cellular network access may be associated with a subscriber or user ofthe device 210 and therefore the device 210 typically has a SubscriberIdentity Module (or “SIM” card) 162 to be inserted in a SIM interface(“IF”) 164 in order to operate on the network (e.g., a global system formobile communications (“GSM”) network).

The device 210 is a battery-powered device so it also includes a batteryinterface (“IF”) 154 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries156. Such a battery 156 provides electrical power to most if not allelectrical circuitry in the device 210, and the battery IF 154 providesfor a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The battery IF 154 iscoupled to a regulator (not shown) which provides power to the circuitryof the device 210.

The wireless device 210 includes a microprocessor 138 which controlsoverall operation of the device 210. Communication functions, includingat least data and voice communications, are performed through thecommunication subsystem 111. The microprocessor 138 also interacts withadditional device subsystems such as a display 122, a flash memory 124or other persistent store, a random access memory (“RAM”) 126, auxiliaryinput/output (“I/O”) subsystems 128, a serial port (e.g., a universalserial bus (“USB”) port) 131, a keyboard 132, a clickable thumbwheel(not shown), a speaker 134, a microphone 136, a short-rangecommunications subsystem 141, and any other device subsystems generallydesignated at 142. Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2 performcommunication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide“resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as thekeyboard 132, display 122, and clickable thumbwheel, for example, may beused for both communication-related functions, such as entering a textmessage for transmission over a communication network, anddevice-resident functions such as a calculator or task list. Operatingsystem software used by the microprocessor 138 is preferably stored in apersistent store such as the flash memory 124, which may alternativelybe a read-only memory (“ROM”) or similar storage element (not shown).Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system,specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarilyloaded into a volatile store such as RAM 126.

The microprocessor 138, in addition to its operating system functions,preferably enables execution of software applications on the device 210.A predetermined set of applications which control basic deviceoperations, including at least data and voice communicationapplications, will normally be installed on the device 210 during itsmanufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto the device210 may be a personal information manager (“PIM”) application having theability to organize and manage data items relating to the user such as,but not limited to, instant messaging (“IM”), electronic mail (“email”),calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally,one or more memory stores are available on the device 210 and SIM 162 tofacilitate storage of PIM data items and other information.

The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive dataitems via the wireless network 220. In a preferred embodiment, PIM dataitems are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via thewireless network, with the wireless device user's corresponding dataitems stored and/or associated with a host computer system such as thedata processing system 100 thereby creating a mirrored host computer onthe device 210 with respect to such items. This is especiallyadvantageous where the host computer system is the wireless deviceuser's office computer system. Additional applications may also beloaded onto the device 210 through the network 220, the auxiliary I/Osubsystem 128, the serial port 131, the short-range communicationssubsystem 141, or any other suitable subsystem 142, and installed by auser in RAM 126 or preferably in a non-volatile store (not shown) forexecution by the microprocessor 138. Such flexibility in applicationinstallation increases the functionality of the device 210 and mayprovide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions,or both. For example, secure communication applications may enableelectronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions tobe performed using the wireless device 210.

In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message,an email message, or web page download will be processed by thecommunication subsystem 111 and input to the microprocessor 138. Themicroprocessor 138 will preferably further process the signal for outputto the display 122 and/or to the auxiliary I/O device 128. A user of thewireless device 210 may also compose data items, such as email messages,for example, using the keyboard 132 in conjunction with the display 122,the clickable thumbwheel, and possibly the auxiliary I/O device 128. Thekeyboard 132 is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or atelephone-type keypad. These composed items may be transmitted over acommunication network 220 through the communication subsystem 111 or theshort range communication subsystem 141.

For voice communications, the overall operation of the wireless device210 is substantially similar, except that the received signals would beoutput to the speaker 134 and signals for transmission would begenerated by the microphone 136. Alternative voice or audio I/Osubsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also beimplemented on the device 210. Although voice or audio signal output ispreferably accomplished primarily through the speaker 134, the display122 may also be used to provide, for example, an indication of theidentity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voicecall related information.

The serial port 131 shown in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in apersonal digital assistant (“PDA”)-type communication device for whichsynchronization with a user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeitoptional, component. The serial port 131 enables a user to setpreferences through an external device or software application andextends the capabilities of the device 210 by providing for informationor software downloads to the device 210 other than through a wirelesscommunication network 220. The alternate download path may, for example,be used to load an encryption key onto the device 210 through a directand thus reliable and trusted connection to thereby provide securedevice communication.

The short-range communications subsystem 141 shown in FIG. 2 is anadditional optional component which provides for communication betweenthe device 210 and different systems or devices, which need notnecessarily be similar devices. For example, the subsystem 141 mayinclude an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or aBluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication withsimilarly-enabled systems and devices. (Bluetooth™ is a registeredtrademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.)

According to one embodiment, the wireless device 210 is optionallyequipped with a global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver 143. The GPSreceiver 143 receives signals from GPS satellites and calculates thecurrent position (e.g., longitude, latitude, altitude) of the device210. This position is then provided to the processor 138 of the device210 to be used for various applications.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a memory 201 of the wirelessdevice 210 of FIG. 2. The memory 201 has various software modules orcomponents for controlling the device 210 and may include flash memory124, RAM 126, ROM (not shown), and/or hardware modules (not shown), forexample. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the wirelessdevice 210 is intended to be a multi-tasking wireless communicationsdevice configured for sending and receiving data items and for makingand receiving voice calls. To provide a user-friendly environment tocontrol the operation of the device 210, an operating system (“O/S”)module 202 resident on the device 210 provides a basic set of operationsfor supporting various applications typically operable through agraphical user interface (“GUI”) module 204. The GUI module 204 mayprovide a GUI 180 similar to that of the data processing system 100 asdescribed above. In particular, the O/S 202 may provide basicinput/output system features to obtain input from the auxiliary I/O 128,the keyboard 132, the clickable thumbwheel, and the like, and forfacilitating input/output from/to a user though a GUI 180 presented onthe display screen 122. Though not shown, one or more applications formanaging communications or for providing personal digital assistant likefunctions may also be included. In accordance with an embodiment of theapplication, there are provided hardware and/or software modules 206 forfacilitating the presentation of WLAN profile information to users aswill be described below.

Thus, the wireless device 210 includes computer executable programmedinstructions for directing the device 210 to implement the embodimentsof the present application. The programmed instructions may be embodiedin one or more hardware or software modules 206 resident in the memory201 of the wireless device 210. Alternatively, the programmedinstructions may be embodied on a computer readable medium (such as a CDdisk or floppy disk) which may be used for transporting the programmedinstructions to the memory of the wireless device 210. Alternatively,the programmed instructions may be embedded in a computer-readablesignal or signal-bearing medium that is uploaded to a network by avendor or supplier of the programmed instructions, and this signal orsignal-bearing medium may be downloaded through an interface 111, 131,141 to the wireless device 210 from the network by end users orpotential buyers.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a communications network 400having wireless local area networks (“WLANs”) 220, 221, 222, 223, 224,225 coupled to a wired local area network (“LAN”) 430 in accordance withan embodiment of the application. A wireless device 210 (or 100),adapted for WLAN operation, communicates over a wireless network (e.g.,220) to a respective WLAN access point (e.g., 410). Each WLAN 220, 221,222, 223, 224, 225 has at least one respective access point (“AP”) 410,411, 412, 413, 414, 415. Each access point (“AP”) 410-415 is typicallyan IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wi-Fi) radio receiver/transmitter (or transceiver)and functions as a bridge between its respective WLAN 220-225 and thewired LAN 430. For security, each AP 410-415 may be communicativelycoupled to the wired LAN 430 through a respective firewall and/or VPN(not shown).

A first group of WLANs (i.e., 220, 221, 222) are located in the vicinityof a first geographic area or location 401 while a second group of WLANs(i.e., 223, 224, 225) are located in the vicinity of a second geographicarea or location 402. For example, the first geographic location 401 maybe Waterloo, Ontario while the second geographic location 402 may beMississauga, Ontario. While located in the vicinity of the firstgeographic location 401, the wireless device 210 is able to communicatethrough one or more of the first group of WLANs 220-222. Similarly,while located in the vicinity of the second geographic location 402, thewireless device 210 is able to communicate through one or more of thesecond group of WLANs 223-225. While travelling between the first andsecond geographic locations 401, 402, the wireless device 210 may beable to communicate through one or more of each of the first and secondgroups of WLANs 220-222, 223-225, depending on available signalstrength, transmitted power, etc.

As mentioned above, one problem with Wi-Fi devices that maintain asingle profile list is inflexibility. This is especially so as thesesingle lists may grow very large. For example, as a user travels betweendifferent geographic areas 401, 402, only a subset of the profile listwill pertain to access points located in the current area (e.g, 401).Having one large profile list is difficult to manage, in terms ofchanging relative priorities, and can overload the user with unneededinformation. In addition, a single profile list can also delay theconnection process as the entire list needs to be compared against APscan results.

FIG. 5 is a screen capture illustrating first and second profiles lists501, 502 for a wireless or other device 210, 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the application. In FIG. 5, a first profiles list 501 isassociated with a first geographic location or area (e.g., Waterloo) 401and a second profiles list 502 is associated with the second geographiclocation or area (e.g., Mississauga) 402. Of course, it is understoodthat additional profiles lists (not shown) may be included foradditional geographic locations or areas (not shown).

According to one embodiment, a user is provided with the ability tocreate a profile list 501, 502 for each geographic area 401, 402 thatthe user visits. Each list 501, 502 will typically only contain entriesor items for APs or WLANs that are geographically located at that site401, 402. For example, lists 501, 502 may be made for Waterloo 401 andMississauga 402. In this case, the profiles list 501 for Waterloo 401would include items or identifiers (e.g., SSIDs or network names) 510,511, 512 corresponding to WLANs 220, 221, 222 in the vicinity ofWaterloo 401. Similarly, the profiles list 502 for Mississauga 402 wouldinclude items or identifiers (e.g., SSIDs or Network Names) 513, 514,515 corresponding to WLANs 223, 224, 225 in the vicinity of Mississauga402. According to one embodiment, the items or identifiers in eachprofiles list 501, 502 are SSIDs or WLAN names (i.e., Network A 510,Network B 511, Network C 513, etc.). According to another embodiment,the items or identifiers 510-512, 513-515 in each profile list 501, 502are profile names.

According to one embodiment, each item or identifier 510-512, 513-515has an associated profile for its respective AP or WLAN which a user mayaccess to configure or update by clicking on the item. A user may usethe GUI 180 of FIG. 5 (which may be displayed in a window 192) toconnect to a selected WLAN (e.g., 510, 410, 220) in a profiles list(e.g., 501), to refresh one or more of the profiles lists 501, 502(i.e., to perform a scan for available WLANs), to set up a WLAN (e.g.,510, 410, 220), to change the order of preferred networks in eachprofiles list 501, 502, to change settings for a selected WLAN (e.g.,510, 410, 220), and to choose an active profiles list (see below).

According to one embodiment, the first and second lists 501, 502 mayrelate to APs or WLANs in the vicinity of the user's work 401 and home402.

According to one embodiment, only one profiles list (e.g., 501) is an“active profiles list” at any given time. The device 210 willautomatically associate with APs or WLANs (e.g., 220-222) listed (e.g.,510-512) in the current active profiles list (e.g., 501) only, andignore all other profiles lists (e.g., 502) during its scan foravailable wireless networks. Thus, the use of multiple profiles lists501, 502 provides improved flexibility and efficiency over the use of asingle (master) profiles list.

According to one embodiment, the user may switch between active profileslists (e.g., from 501 to 502) manually as the user moves betweenlocations (e.g., from 401 to 402).

According to another embodiment, the switch between active profileslists may be performed automatically. Automatic switching may befacilitated by the wireless device's global positioning system (“GPS”)receiver 143 (if so equipped). In this embodiment, when a new profile(e.g., having related item or identifier 510) is added to a list (e.g.,501), the current position (e.g., the longitude and latitude of location401) of the wireless device 210 is recorded for the profile. When theuser physically moves with the wireless device 210 to a location (e.g.,402) that is a preset range (e.g., 10 km) away from all APs 410-412 orWLANs 220-222 having profiles 510-512 listed in the current list 501 (oraway from the “average” triangulated distance of all profiles 510-512 inthe list 501), then the user has likely left the geographic area 401that the list 501 corresponds to. The device 210 then checks theposition of the APs (e.g., 413-415) or WLANs (e.g., 223-225) havingprofiles (e.g., 513-515) listed in other defined profiles lists (e.g.,502) and automatically activates the list (e.g., 502) that correspondsto a location that is closer to the current location 402 of the wirelessdevice 210 than the previous location 401. Thus, if the user boards aplane in a first city (e.g., Waterloo 401) and steps off the plane in asecond city (e.g., Mississauga 402), then the profiles list 502 definedfor that second city 402 immediately becomes the current active profileslist.

According to another embodiment, the switch between active profileslists may be performed automatically by an alternate method. Accordingto this method, active list selection is automated by performing a scanfor available networks at the current location (e.g., 401) and if theSSIDs found do not match any SSIDs (e.g., 510-512) on the current activeprofiles list (e.g., 501), then an attempt is made to match the SSIDsfound against the SSIDs (e.g., 513-515) on another profiles list (e.g.,502). If a match is found in another profiles list 502, then the device210 can select the other profiles list 502 making it the active profileslist.

A user may also specify multiple profiles lists for a single geographicarea. For example, both a user's “work” and “home” lists may be withrespect to APs or WLANs located in the same city (e.g., Waterloo 401).To accommodate this situation, according to one embodiment, ahierarchical arrangement of profile lists is supported in which aprofiles list for a geographic area (e.g., profiles list 501 forWaterloo 401) can contain lists (or sub-lists) for home and workprofiles. In FIG. 5 for example, “Network B” 511 may belong to a homeprofiles list while “Network C” 512 may belong to a work profiles list.The home profiles list 511 and the work profiles list 512 are sub-lists,or are included in, the profiles list 501 for Waterloo 401. Byactivating the Waterloo profiles list 501, all sub-lists (i.e., homeprofiles list 511 and work profiles list 512) are activated too, so thatthe device 210 can scan both the home and work profiles lists. Ofcourse, while not shown in FIG. 5, divisions of the Waterloo profileslist 501 into a home profiles list 511 and a work profiles list 512 maybe shown graphically by the GUI 180. In particular, when a root node orlist (e.g., 501 for “Waterloo”) is marked active, then all of itssub-nodes or lists (e.g., “Home” 511 and “Work” 512) in the hierarchicaltree or list may also be considered as being active and eligible forconnection. Nodes (e.g., 511, 512) on the same level may be prioritizedin terms of the order in which they are considered (e.g., “Work” 511first, then “Home” 512 if no matches found). Likewise, the profileswithin these nodes 511, 512 may also be prioritized.

In addition, according to one embodiment, a user can define a “publichotspot” profiles list, item, or identifier (e.g., “Network A” 510) atthe Waterloo profiles list 501 level (accessible anywhere within thecity 401) that will be connected to first. If connection to the publichotspot 510 AP or WLAN is not possible, then the entries under work andhome profiles lists 511, 512 will be attempted. Though this hierarchy,the number of hotspots that are scanned against at any one time can bereduced thereby improving efficiency.

According to one embodiment, the same WLAN profile may be associatedwith more than one list (e.g., Network A 510 may appear in both profileslists 501 and 502, if appropriate).

According to another embodiment, each profiles list 501, 502 containsonly WLAN (i.e., Wi-Fi) profiles (any number of them). That is, wiredLAN profiles are not included in the profiles lists 501, 502.

With respect to setting up a WLAN profile for a wireless or other device210, 100, currently users are required to manually set up a WLAN profilefor each new WLAN network that they encounter (e.g., by scanning foravailable networks) and wish to connect to. According to one embodiment,a method is provided for sharing WLAN profiles amongst devices 210, 100and for choosing WLAN settings or parameters (e.g., SSID or WLAN name,profile name, operating mode, standard type, security option, encryptionoption, password, etc.) to reuse under certain conditions.

Noting that profiles are typically created but are not destroyed andthat many profiles are “temporary” in nature (i.e., they are usedinfrequently), instead of expiring or deleting temporary profiles yetstill reducing the number of number of static profiles, according to oneembodiment, infrequently used profiles are hidden from the user. Thatis, rather than being presented in a profiles list 501, 502,infrequently used profiles are stored in memory. However, when thewireless or other device 210, 100 recognizes that it is in the vicinityof a WLAN associated with an infrequently used profile, the device 210,100 will recall the infrequently used profile from memory and willautomatically attempt reconnection using the previously specifiedparameters. In this embodiment, criteria used to determine proximity toa WLAN may include: detection of the SSID of the infrequently usedprofile, proximity of a wireless cellular system (e.g., global systemfor mobile communications (“GSM”), enhanced data GSM environment(“EDGE”), general packet radio service (“GPRS”), etc.) antennae site ortower close to a known infrequently used profile location, and GPSinformation.

In addition, infrequently used profiles from a device 210, 100 may becollected by infrastructure equipment (e.g., servers, data processingsystems 100, etc.) associated with the WLAN, the wired LAN 430, or acellular network and may be shared with other devices that may enter thevicinity of the WLAN as detected by the criteria described above.

According to one embodiment, the wireless device 210 may be a dual-modedevice having both WLAN (i.e., Wi-Fi) and cellular functionality. Inthis embodiment, the wireless device 210 is also able to communicateover a cellular network (not shown), such as a GSM network, linked tothe wired LAN 430.

Embodiments of the application provide several advantages. First, forexample, by automating profile selection as described above, onlypertinent information is presented to users when they view or edit theirprofiles list. This helps users reduce the often cumbersome task ofprioritizing entries on large lists of profiles. Second, note that thesame SSID, being plain text, may be defined in two different geographicareas 401, 402 and as such a user will need to know which is the rightSSID to select in order to gain WLAN access. The problem of determiningwhich SSID to select is addressed by the separate profiles lists 501,502 of the present application. In particular, the same SSID is oftenused for different networks (e.g., Linksys™ routers have a default SSIDcalled “linksys”). Storing the same SSID in different groups allows theuser to reference different APs even if they have the same SSID, thusavoiding trying to connect to an AP with the wrong credentials (i.e.,media access control (“MAC”) addresses are generally not used as part ofAP identification, just the SSID).

Aspects of the above described method may be summarized with the aid ofa flowchart. FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations 600 ofmodules 206 within the memory 201 of a wireless device 210 for selectinga wireless local area network (“WLAN”) for the wireless device 210, inaccordance with an embodiment of the application.

At step 601, the operations 600 start.

At step 602, a first list 501 of WLAN identifiers 510-512 for a firstgroup of one or more wireless local area networks (“WLANs”) 220-221accessible at a first geographic location 401 is generated and the firstlist 501 is stored in the wireless device 210.

At step 603, a second list 502 of WLAN identifiers 513-515 for a secondgroup of one or more WLANs 223-225 accessible at a second geographiclocation 402 is generated and the second list 502 is stored in thewireless device 210.

At step 604, one of the first and second lists 501, 502 is selected asan active list (e.g., 501).

At step 605, WLANs 220-221 identified by the active list 501 are scannedfor to identify an available WLAN (e.g., 220) for the wireless device210.

At step 606, the operations 600 end.

In the above method, each WLAN identifier 510-515 may have an associatedWLAN profile including a geographic location of the respective WLAN220-225. Each WLAN identifier 510-515 may be one of a service setidentifier (“SSID”), a network name, and a profile name. Each of thefirst and second groups 220-222, 223-225 of WLANs may be accessible fromat least one (e.g., 401) of the first and second geographic locations401, 402. The method may further include combining the first and secondlists 501, 502 in a hierarchical list. The hierarchical list may beselectable as the active list. An order of the first and second lists501, 502 in the hierarchical list may be selectable. The step ofselecting 604 may further include: presenting the first and second liststo a user on a display screen 122 of the wireless device 210; and,receiving a signal from the user indicating a choice of one of the firstand second lists 501, 502 as the active list. The WLAN identifiers ofinfrequently used WLANs may be excluded from the first and second lists501, 502 when the wireless device 210 is remote from the first andsecond geographic locations 401, 402, respectively. The step ofselecting 604 may further include: receiving a signal indicative of acurrent location (e.g., 401) of the wireless device 210; and,determining which of the first and second geographic locations 401, 402is closest to the current location 401. The signal may be received froma global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver 143 included in thewireless device 210. And, the signal may be received from a cellulartelephone system.

The above described method is generally performed by the wireless device210. However, according to an alternate embodiment, the method can beperformed by any data processing system (e.g., 100) adapted to operateon a wireless network (e.g., 220).

While embodiments of this application are primarily discussed as amethod, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that theapparatus discussed above with reference to a wireless device 210 and adata processing system 100, may be programmed to enable the practice ofthe method of these embodiments. Moreover, an article of manufacture foruse with a wireless device 210 or data processing system 100, such as apre-recorded storage device or other similar computer readable mediumincluding program instructions recorded thereon, may direct the wirelessdevice 210 or data processing system 100 to facilitate the practice ofthe method of these embodiments. It is understood that such apparatusand articles of manufacture also come within the scope of theapplication.

The embodiments of the application described above are intended to beexemplary only. Those skilled in this art will understand that variousmodifications of detail may be made to these embodiments, all of whichcome within the scope of the application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for selecting a wireless local areanetwork (“WLAN”) for a wireless device, comprising: generating a firstlist of WLAN identifiers for a first group of one or more wireless localarea networks (“WLANs”) accessible at a first geographic location andstoring the first list in the wireless device; generating a second listof WLAN identifiers for a second group of one or more WLANs accessibleat a second geographic location and storing the second list in thewireless device; selecting one of the first and second lists as anactive list; and, scanning for WLANs identified by the active list toidentify an available WLAN for the wireless device.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein each WLAN identifier has an associated WLAN profileincluding a geographic location of the respective WLAN.
 3. The method ofclaim 2 wherein each WLAN identifier is one of a service set identifier(“SSID”), a network name, and a profile name.
 4. The method of claim 2wherein each of the first and second groups of WLANs are accessible fromat least one of the first and second geographic locations.
 5. The methodof claim 4 and further comprising combining the first and second listsin a hierarchical list.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein thehierarchical list is selectable as the active list.
 7. The method ofclaim 5 wherein an order of the first and second lists in thehierarchical list is selectable.
 8. The method of claim 2 wherein theselecting further comprises: presenting the first and second lists to auser on a display screen of the wireless device; and, receiving a signalfrom the user indicating a choice of one of the first and second listsas the active list.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein WLAN identifiers ofinfrequently used WLANs are excluded from the first and second listswhen the wireless device is remote from the first and second geographiclocations, respectively.
 10. The method of claim 2 wherein the selectingfurther comprises: receiving a signal indicative of a current locationof the wireless device; and, determining which of the first and secondgeographic locations is closest to the current location.
 11. The methodof claim 10 wherein the signal is received from a global positioningsystem (“GPS”) receiver included in the wireless device.
 12. The methodof claim 10 wherein the signal is received from a cellular telephonesystem.
 13. A system for selecting a wireless local area network(“WLAN”), the system comprising: a processor coupled to an interface toone or more wireless local area networks (“WLANs”); and, modulesexecuted by the processor, the modules including: a module forgenerating a first list of WLAN identifiers for a first group of one ormore WLANs accessible at a first geographic location and storing thefirst list in the system; a module for generating a second list of WLANidentifiers for a second group of one or more WLANs accessible at asecond geographic location and storing the second list in the system; amodule for selecting one of the first and second lists as an activelist; and, a module for scanning for WLANs identified by the active listto identify an available WLAN for the system.
 14. The system of claim 13wherein each WLAN identifier has an associated WLAN profile including ageographic location of the respective WLAN.
 15. The system of claim 14wherein each WLAN identifier is one of a service set identifier(“SSID”), a network name, and a profile name.
 16. The system of claim 14wherein each of the first and second groups of WLANs are accessible fromat least one of the first and second geographic locations.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16 and further comprising a module for combining thefirst and second lists in a hierarchical list.
 18. The system of claim17 wherein the hierarchical list is selectable as the active list. 19.The system of claim 17 wherein an order of the first and second lists inthe hierarchical list is selectable.
 20. The system of claim 14 whereinthe module for selecting further comprises: a module for presenting thefirst and second lists to a user on a display screen of the system; and,a module for receiving a signal from the user indicating a choice of oneof the first and second lists as the active list.
 21. The system ofclaim 20 wherein WLAN identifiers of infrequently used WLANs areexcluded from the first and second lists when the system is remote fromthe first and second geographic locations, respectively.
 22. The systemof claim 14 wherein the module for selecting further comprises: a modulefor receiving a signal indicative of a current location of the system;and, a module for determining which of the first and second geographiclocations is closest to the current location.
 23. The system of claim 22wherein the signal is received from a global positioning system (“GPS”)receiver included in the system.
 24. The system of claim 22 wherein thesignal is received from a cellular telephone system.